Method of and machine for reforming lasts



Feb M, 1936. J. FITZPATRICK METHOD OF AND MACHINE FOR REFRMING LASTS 5Sheets-Sheet l Filed July '7, 1954 e., M, E936. J. FlTzPA-rRlcK 2,030yl4METHOD OF AND MACHINE FOR REFORMING LASTS Filed July 7, 19254 5Sheets-Sheet 2 TORNEY /M/f/VTOR,"

Feb, ll, 1936. 1 F|TZPATR1CK 2,304

METHOD 0F AND MACHINE FOR REFORMING LAsTs Filed July 7, 1954 5sheets-sheet 3 Fgg /N VEA/To R.'

` www Feb. M, i936. J. HTI/:PATRICK 29030,1

METHOD OF AND MACHINE FOR REFORMING LASTS Filed July 7, 1954. 5Sheets-Sheet 4 /NVE/YTOF? n.

' ATTORNEY Feb, EL 1936- .1. FlTzPATRlcK 2903091@ METHOD OF AND MACHINEFOR REFORMING LASTS f Filed July 7, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 ,MO m f z 0 NQR 3 6 1% p. WN i, o

Patented Feb. 11, 1936 UNi'i'ED STATES Artnr oFFlCE METHOD F AND MACHINEFOR REFORMING LASTS 17 Claims.

fsupport each last to be reformed during the last turning operation thatit will rotate about an axis that corresponds accurately with the axisabout which the model last is turned.

The method of reforming lasts described and 'claimed in the abovementioned application works entirely satisfactory so long as the lasthas not been sprung or bent axially, but it sometimes happens that ahinged last which is to be reformed has become bent or sprung at thehinge, and if these lasts are lined up by engaging the rounded toe andheel thereof as contemplated by the method of said application the hingeportion of the last will lie more or less oi centre.

In order to overcome this difficulty the present invention is directedto a method of and apparatus for Working entirely from the heel part ofthe last while lining up the same preparatory to remodeling the last onan axis corresponding to the axis of the model last.

The present method may be used in reforming either one-piece o1' hingelasts, and to reform lasts in which the old fore part presents sulficentWood for the turning operation or has been built up for this purpose, orin which the entire or major portion of the fore part of the last isreplaced with a new fore block.

One important feature of the invention resides in the method of andapparatus for accurately supporting the heel part of a last with theaxis upon which it is to be reformed in a definite predeterminedposition, and While thus supported forming longitudinal and transverseborings therein which bear a predetermined relation to said axis andwhich borings will serve to accurately position the last While a centrebore is formed in the toe thereof.

Another feature of the invention resides in adjustable stops adapted toengage the opposite side of a last and in means for moving these stopssimultaneously towards each other to centre the last in one longitudinalplane.

A further feature resides in means for supporting the heel engagingV-block and adjacent seat for the tread of the heel for adjustment alongan inclined path so that this adjustment (Cl. IKM- 309) will accommodatethe increased length of the larger lasts and at the same time theincreased depth of these lasts from the central axis to the tread of theheel.

Other features of the invention and novel combination of parts inaddition to the above will be hereinafter described in connection withthe accompanying drawings which illustrate good practical forms thereof.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a side elevation of a lining up and boring machine designedfor carrying out the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1. 15

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a cross section of a detail of the mechanism shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 on an enlarged scale is a longitudinal sectional View through theheel supporting mechanism of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a side view of the last supporting mechanism of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a top plan vieW of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the 25 slideway for the lastengaging side stops.

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of a model last.

Fig. 10 is a rear end view of a device for supporting a last While aturning centre is formed in the toe thereof.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the device of Fig. 10 showing a turningcentre being formed in the toe of a last to be reformed.

Fig. 12 is a side elevation of a modification and shows a lathe chuckhaving heel engaging means constructed in accordance with the presentinvention for supporting a last to be reformed on a predetermined axis.

Fig. 13 is a front View of the chuck mechanism of Fig. 1'2; and

Fig. 14 is a bottom plan View of this chuck mechanism.

The important thing in reforming lasts in accordance with the presentinvention, as above pointed out, is to provide like axes for the modellast and lasts to be reformed. If the lasts are provided with like axesthen similar points on the model last and reformed lasts will lie thesame distance from the axes of rotation. If, however, these axes are notsimilarly located in the model last and last to be reformed, thensimilar points on the two lasts Will lie different distances from therespective axes, with the result that when the last to be reformed isacted upon by a cutter under the control of the model last, portions ofthe wood which should remain on the last being reformed may be cut awaywhile other portions of the last may be under size.

In turning new lasts the accurate location of the axis of rotation isnot necessarily important because if the last block is suiciently largeto provide plenty of wood at all sides of the axis of rotation then thecutter controlled by the model last will cut the block of wood to thedesired size and shape, but if there is not plenty of Wood at allportions of the last or last block then the accurate location of theaxis becomes important.

In locating the lasts axis of rotation in accordance with the presentinvention the more reliable portions of the old last are selected towork from. The metal heel plate and rounded end of the heel aretherefore used in locating the position oi the axis of rotation in theheel; and the longitudinal, central, vertical plane of the heel islocated by placing the rounded heel in a V-block, while the distance theaxis is to be located up from the heel plate is determined by measuringup from the heel plate about 1%, inches for a size seven mens last, asthis is found by measuring a large number of lasts to come very close tothe original axis of rotation.

The axis of rotation for the model last is accurately located in the toethereof by placing the toe of the last in a V-block to find thelongitudinal, central, vertical plane of the toe, and the axis islocated in this plane preferably at the point where the tread and lastupper meet.

After the model last has been properly centered and has been providedwith borings to support it upon the last turning lathe, this last isused, in accordance with the present invention, to facilitate theadjustment of a jig or last supporting mechanism so that each last ofthe series of lasts to be reformed may be easily and accuratelysupported from its heel portion alone to receive borings that bear adenite predetermined relation to the axis upon which the last is to bereformed. In this manner each last to be reformed is provided with anaxis of rotation which accurately corresponds to the axis of rotation ofthe model last.

The mechanism illustrated for carrying out the objects of the presentinvention will now be described. The machine shown in Fig. l for liningup and drilling the lasts is for the most part similar in constructionand operation to the machine shown in Fig. l of my application abovementioned. The principal difference between the two machines resides inthe fact that in the earlier machine it is intended to use the toe andheel receiving V-blocks to line up the model last and also the old laststo be reformed, whereas in the present machine it is intended to useboth the toe and heel receiving V-blocks to line up only the model last,as the other lasts are lined up and supported in this machine entirelyfrom the heel part of the last.

The machine of Fig. l is provided with a bed plate IB supported at thedesired height from the floor by legs II and the upper face of the bedplate I@ is provided with the longitudinally extending ribs or guidewaysI2. Mounted upon the bed plate near the central portion thereof is a jigor last supporting device I3 and this jig is slidably mounted upon theguideways I2 for movement longitudinally of the bed plate relative to aside drill to be described, and means are provided for clamping the jigin its adjusted position along the bed plate. The jig I3 is adapted tosupport a last L with its tread up as shown while the last positioningbores are being formed therein.

The jig I3 is shown as provided with the uprights I4 and these uprightsnot only support the heel engaging V-block I5 as in the earlierapplication but may also support adjustable pins that engage the treadof the heel portion of the last, and side stops that engage the oppositesides of the heel portion of the last.

Adjacent the forward end of the jig I3 is slidably mounted a slide I6 towhich is rigidly secured the toe engaging V-block I1 and this slide I6is moved towards and from the heel receiving V-block I5 by means of thethreaded shaft I8 that is rigidly or non-rotatably secured to the baseportion I9 of the slide I6. The shaft I8 is provided with a threadedsleeve or nut rotatably mounted within the housing 20 at one end of thejig and this sleeve is rotated to adjust the shaft by a gear 2I which isrotated by the crank handle 22.

The heel receiving V-block I5 is formed in the construction shown bysecuring two inclined blocks I5 to the under face of a supporting plateor slide 23 and the lower face of this slide forms an abutment againstwhich the metal heel plate of a last may rest when the last is placed inthe jig with its heel plate up as shown in Fig. 1. Mechanism isprovided, which will later be described, for raising and lowering theslide 23 and for moving it longitudinally of the jig to accommodatedifferent size lasts.

The last is rmly held against the abutment of slide 23 in theconstruction shown by a foot operated plunger 24 at the upper end ofwhich is provided a pivoted head 25 that engages the heel portion of thelast as shown. This plunger is urged upwardly by pressing upon the foottreadle 2S pivoted at 21 and connected by a link 28 to an end of theoperating lever 29. This lever is pivoted intermediate its ends at 30 tothe machine frame and the opposite end of the lever 29 is connected by alink 3| to the plunger 24.

The mechanism so far described may be employed to support a model last Lin accurate position to receive the borings which will determine thecentres about which this last will be rotated in the last turning lathe.To accomplish this the last L is positioned in the jig I 3 in itsinverted position as shown in Fig. 1 with its heel in engagement withthe V-block I5 and abutment of the slide 23. The toe engaging V-block I1is then moved into engagement with the toe of the last by operating thehandle 22. These V-blocks engaging the heel and toe of the model last Lwill centre the last in the longitudinal vertical plane, and theabutment slide 23 when properly adjusted in a Vertical position willbring the axis of the heel portion of the last in the proper horizontalplane. The toe portion of the last is readily set in the properhorizontal plane by moving the toe up or down until the line ofintersection formed by the tread and last upper lies opposite the pointof the toe boring drill 32 as shown in Fig. l.

While the last L is thus supported the toe thereof is bored by the drill32 to provide the last with the centre bore a (see Fig. 9). rIhe drill32 extends through a guiding bushing 33 in the slide I1 and the drill issecured to the driving shaft 34 journaled in a supporting bracket 35 anddriven by the electric motor 35. The bracket 35 and motor 36 are mountedon a sliding base plate 31 supported by the bed plate I0 of the machinefor movement longitudinally of the bed plate, and sliding movement isimparted to the plate 31 to move the drill towards and from the work byturning the wheel having the hand levers 38. n

Y The heel end of the last is preferably provided with three drill holesor borings b spaced about and at equal distances from the central axisof the heel as best shown in Fig. l0, to support and,

drive the last in the lathe turning operation. These three bores areformed by the drills 39 which are driven by gears or the like within thechuck 40 and the drills are guided by bushings 4| supported by thebracket 42. The chuck 40 is supported by a bracket 43 and the drilloperating mechanism within the chuck is driven by the m0- tor 44. Themotor 44 and brackets 43 and 42 are mounted upon the base plate 45 whichis slidably supported by the bed plate l0 and movement of the drills 39towards and from the work is effected by the operating wheel having thehand levers 46.

Means is further provided, in accordance with the present invention, forforming a transverse bore c in a side of the heel part of the last. Thisbore c when provided in the model last L serves to help support the lastin the lathe, but the transverse bore c when provided in the lasts to bereformed is used to help support the last during the toe centeringoperation as will be more fully described.

The transverse bore c preferably but not necessarily lies in thehorizontal plane of the axis of rotation and is formed by a drill 41mounted in a shaft 48 that is journaled in a bearing 49. The shaft isdriven by the motor 58 and the motor and bearing 49 are secured to abase plate 5I that 1s slidably supported by the portion 52 of themachine bed. The drill 41 is moved towards and from the work byoperating the wheel having the handles 53.

Having described the construction for supporting and boring a model lastto denne its axis of rotation, the construction and operationcontemplated by the present invention for providing each last to bereformed with an axis like that of the model last will now be described.

The method of supporting the lasts to be reformed during the boringoperation is different from that of the model lasts, since the lasts tobe reformed are supported entirely from the heel part upon an axis thatcorresponds to the axis of the model last, and important means to thisend resides in the side stops 54 adapted to engage and press upon theopposite sides of the heel part of the last and co-operate with the V-block I5 to centre the last in a vertical plane. The heel part of thelast is centered in a horizontal plane by the proper adjustment of theabutment slide 23 against which the rear end portion of the heel platerests, and the proper adjustment of the lining up pins which engage thetread of the heel near the hinge portion thereof.

The side stops 54 and pins 55 are adjustably supported in theconstruction shown by the slide 23, and this slide is supported foradjustment along an inclined plane so that as the slide 23 is movedrearwardly to accommodate larger lasts it will also move upwardly toaccommodate the increased distance from the heel plate to the axis aboutwhich the last is to be reformed. The uprights l4 therefore have rigidlysecured thereto the inclined head 55 the inner portion of which ispartly cut away to receive the slide 23, and this head, as will beapparent from Fig. 4, is provided with guideways 51 adapted to receivethe ribs 58 upon the slide 23 to support the latter for slidingadjustment within the head.

The slide 23 is adjusted within the headt56 by a threaded shaft 59 whichturns in a nut 60 rigidly secured to the upper end of the head. Thisshaft is provided near its lower end with a collar 5| which is rigidlysecured to the shaft by a pin 52, and the collar is` rotatably mountedin a recess formed in the slide 23. The shaft 59 is rotated by itshandle 53 and as it turns in the nut 60 the travel of this shaft willbev imparted to the slide 23 by the collar 5I. Accidental rotation ofthe handle 53 is prevented by providing upon the slide 23 the extensionbar E4 having at its outer end a spring plunger 55 adapted to enter arecess in the ball end of the handle lever and hold it from turning.

In the construction shown the side stops 54 and leveling pins 55 aresupported by the slide 23, and to this end the slide '1s provided with apair of parallel guide rails 65 which extend frontwardly alongside theheel part of the last. These rails serve to support a block 6l mountedtherebetween for sliding movement along the ra-ils. The block 61 isprovided with a transversely extending strip 68 overlying the rails 66and with a transversely extending strip 69 of dove-tail construction incross section and lying under the rails 65. The arrangement is such thatthe block 61 is supported between the rails by the strips 68 and 69which engage the upper and lower faces of the rails to permitlongitudinal sliding movement between the block and rails.

The dove-tailed strip 69 forms a slideway for the transverse slide 'F8which carries the side stops 54, and rigidly secured to the rear face ofthe slide i8 is the upstanding block 1I which extends upwardly betweenthe rails 66 and has the overhanging portion l2 which bears upon theupper face of the strip 68. The arrangement is such that the block 6l'and strips 68 and 69 secured thereto will not slide transversely of therails 56, but these parts support the transverse slide 10 and parts 'lland 'l2 secured thereto for transverse sliding movement to accommodateeither right or left lasts. After the slide. 10 has been shifted in thedirection of its length the desired amount it may be clamped in thisposition by tightening the locking screw 73. This screw extends throughan elongated slot in the part 'il and has threaded engagement with theunderlying strip 68.

The leveling up pins 55 are slidably mounted in drill holes formed inthe upright block 1I and as a result when the parts 1G, 'il and 12 areshifted laterally of the rails 56 to accommodate a right or left last,the pins 55 will also be shifted to accommodate the tread of the rightor left last. These pins ,may be simultaneously adjusted either up ordown by providing a xed threaded post 14 between them extending up fromthe block 'Il and providing upon this post a nut 15 having the annularslot adapted to receive the heads l of the pins 55 so that rotation ofthis nut to cause it to travel along the post 14 will impart a slidingmovement to the pins 55.

Since the side Stops 54 and pins 55 are supported by the rails 56 of theslide 23 any movement of the slide along its supporting head will tendto impart a similar longitudinal movementv to these stops and pins, butit is desirable that these stops and pins shall remain in the sameposition longitudinal of the jig I3 for all size lasts, This isaccomplished by providing between the spaced rails 63 the threaded shaft1l which co-V operates with a nut 18 non-rotatably secured in the block61. The shaft H is operatively connected'to the lower end of the shaft59 by a knuckle joint 19. The arrangement is such that rotation of thescrew shaft 59 to move the slide 23 will rotate the shaft 'H to advancethe block 61 forwardly an amount equal to the rearward movement of theslide. The net result of these movements is that the block 61 willremain in practically a xed position, and the side stops 54 will remainin a position to engage all size lasts just back of the hinge line.

While the mechanism just described prevents the stops 54 from movingrearwardly with the slide 23, the elevation of the slide 23 by itsmovement along an inclined plane will be imparted to the block 61 andparts carried thereby. This is desirable because adjustment of the`slide 23 rearwardly to accommodate a larger size last will serve toelevate the abutment upon the slide- 23 for the rear portion of the heeland the leveling uppins 55 which engage the tread of the heel near thehinge.

The result of mounting all of the heel positioning mechanism on theslide 23 is that after the side stops 54 and leveling pins 55 have oncebeen adjusted by placing a model last L in the jig in its drillingposition, as above described, and the stops 54 and pins 55 have beenadjusted against the model last, then the jig may be easily and quicklyadjusted to accommodate either larger or smaller lasts than the modellast. These different size lasts are easily provided for by simplyadjusting the slide 23 along its inclined path to the desired reading ofthe scale 80.

For'example, if the model last used in setting the jig is a size sevenand. it is desired to adjust the'jigto receive a size ten last it ismerely necessary to turn the handle 63 to adjust the slide 23 along thescale 80 to the graduation marked 41077.

The present invention also contemplates simple means for determining theproper adjustment of the stop supporting slide l0 laterally toaccommodate either a right or left last. Let it be assumed that themodel last L is a right last, then in setting the stops 54 in engagementwith the opposite sides of this model last the locking screw 13 will bereleased to permit the slide 70 to move laterally and the stops 54 willbe moved against the opposite sides of the last. This is done byrotating the right and left hand screw 8| which is journaled in arecessed portion of the slide 10 as best shown in Fig. 8. The stops aresecured to threaded blocks 82 which slide in the recessed portion 83 ofthe slide and are advanced along the slide by turning the screw 8| bymeans of its head 84. After the stops 54 have been moved against thesides of the last L then the locking screw 13 is tightened to lock theslide in this position, and it is retained in this position for allsizes of the set of right lasts to be reformed, after which the slide 10is shifted off centre to the same amount in the opposite direction toaccommodate the set of left lasts to be reformed.

In order to simplify the oper-ation of adjusting the slide 'I0 an equalamount toV either the right or left, the block 61 may have securedthereto the off' centre stop rod 85, the inner end of which is pivotedat 86 to a plate 8l secured to the block 6l. To the outer end of the rod85 is pivotally secured the head 88 having at its lower end theadjustable stop screw 89. The arrangement is such that after the slidel0 has been adjusted and clamped in its adjusted position by the screw13 the off centre stop rod 85 is swung to one side of its pivot 86 sothat the stop screw 89 may be off centre adjustment of the slide 10 tothe lett,V

whereupon the slide is clamped in this new position by the screw 13.

After the last boring jig has had its slide 23,

stops 54 and pins 55 properly adjusted from a model last L as abovedescribed, the work of drilling the set of lasts R to be reformed so asto provide each of these lasts with an axis like that of the model lastmay be performed, and to accomplish' this the toe receiving .V-block isprovided' with a flat plate or block 90 which will serve to press uponthe toe end of a last R to be reformed Without preventing the lateralmovement of the toe relative to the block as the side stops 54 areforced against the opposite sides of this last by turning the screw head84.

As soon as the last R is properly positioned in the jig I3 the drills 39and 4l' are operated to form the bores b and c, the depth of eachofthese bores being limited by suitable stops for the drills. These boresare positioned in an accurate predetermined relation to the axes aboutwhich the last R is to be reformed and serve to support the lastentirely from its heel part while the turning centre is formed in thetoe or fore part of the last. The drill 32 is not used to bore the lastsR that are to be reformed.

The last R to be reformed may have the toe part thereof built up or theentire fore part of the old last may be replaced with a new fore block Bas shown in Fig. 1l, and as is fully disclosed in my application abovementioned. After the last R has been provided with the bores bl and citis transferred to the machine of Fig. l1 where it is supported by theborings b and c while a. centre bore is formed in the new toe part ofthe last.

This centre boring device of Fig. 11 is for the most part similar inconstruction and operation to the testing and centre boring device of myapplication above mentioned, and comprises a base or bed plate 9| havingthe upstanding end walls 92 and S3. In the wall 93 is journaled adrilling shaft 94 having a drill or centre forming cutter 95. The shaft94 is driven by a pulley 96 and belt 91 and the shaft is slidablymounted in its bearing and pulley and has a key driving connection withthe pulley so that the shaft may be moved towards the work by engagingthe handle 90 and sliding the shaft in its bearing.

The wall 92 is provided with the three last positioning pins 99 adaptedto enter the bores b iin the heel of the last R to accurately positionthe heel of the last. The last is further positioned in the device ofFig. 11 by a pin |90 which is slidably mounted in a drill hole formed inan upright |0|. This upright is secured to a carriage or slide |02adapted to be adjusted lengthwise of the base plate 9| and clamped inthe desired position of adjustment by tightening the thumb nut |03.

The pin |00 is forced into the bo-re c until it strikes against thebottom of this hole and is then positioned so that a notch |04 in thepin receives the pivoted locking key |05 when this key is swungdownwardly into the notch |04. 'I'his causes the inner end of the pin|00 to lie a predetermined distance from the upright |0| so that whenthe pin is thus positioned and abuts against the bottom of the bore c,the last R will be -centered both vertically and horizontally to receivethe centre bore in its toe formed by the cutter 95. It is important thatwhen the pin is locked in plane by the key |05 that the inner end ofthis pin rests firmly against the bottom of the bore c which bore isaccurately drilled to the desired depth. In the present construction aspring operated plunger |66 is provided to strike against the far sideof the last and force it against the pin I 00. The plunger |55 .isslidably supported by the upright |31 and may be provided with a pivotedlast engaging head |08, and a cable |09 extending to a foot treadle, notshown, serves to retract the plunger so that when released it will beforced frontwardly by the spring IIE). The pin has the operating handleIn this manner each last to be reformed is supported entirely from theheel part while it is being provided at its heel and toe with boreswhich define an axis that corresponds accurately with the axis of themodel last.

After a last to be reformed is provided with the borings b in the heelthereof and the centre receiving bore in the toe thereof as abovedescribed, which bores are positioned to support the last to be reformedupon a like axis to that de ned in the model last by the borings b anda, then the model last and last to be reformed are ready to be placedupon a last turning lathe such as disclosed in Fig. 17 of the abovementioned application so that the last to be reformed will be acted uponby a cutter under the control of the model last.

In the modification shown in Figs. 12, 13 and 14, the mechanism of thepresent invention for supporting a last to be reformed from its heelpart so that its axis corresponds to that of the model last, isassociated with the head H2 of a last turning lathe having the spindleH3. To the face of this head ||2 at its central-axis is secured a heelreceiving V-block I| 4 adapted to receive the rounded heel of the last,and the heel plate of this last rests upon an adjustable abutment orplate I l5 having the portion I6 that ts slidably in a slotted portion IIl of the head. The plate I I5 isv adjusted along the head I I2 byoperating the adjusting screw I |8 having the head I I8X.

'Ihe side stops ||9 and leveling up pins |20 which correspond to thestops 54 and p-ins 55 above described, are adjustably supported by thespaced rails I2| which are rigidly secured by the screws |22 to theopposite edges of the head I I2. Between the spaced rails I2 I isslidably supported a block |23 similar to the block 6l, and to theopposite faces of this block are secured the block supporting strips |24and |25, the latter having a dove-tail construction to slidably supportthe slide |26 upon which the heel engaging stops I I9 are mounted as inthe slide 1|) above described. These stops are moved towards and fromthe heel by the right and left screw |21 having the head. |28. The slide|26 is locked against sliding movement in the direction of its length bythe locking screw |29.

In this modified construction the means for supporting the stops I 9 andpins |20 may be ad-- justed towards and from the lathe head |I2 toaccommodate different size lasts, and the graduations |30 are providedto facilitate this adjustment. The locking screw |3| is provided forlocking the block |23 in the desired position of adjustment along thelrails |2|. The tread engaging pins |20 are adjusted by the nut |32similar to the pins 55.

I n employing this modied construction of Figs. 12, 13 and 14 a modellast L is placed in the chuck so that its axis of rotation is lined upwith the lathe axis and while the last is retained in this position theabutment plate H5, stops |I9 and pins |23 are moved into engagement withthe last. The model last may then be removed and a last to be reformedof the same size inserted in the chuck, whereupon it will be properlycentered in one plane by operating the screw head |28 to bring the stopsI I9 against its opposite faces. This last is centered in a second planeby the engagement of the tread of the heel with plate i I5 and pins |2,and it is held rmly thereagainst by the clamping screw |33.' This screwis threaded in an extension I 34 secured to the head II2 and is rotatedby the hand wheel |35. The lower end of this screw the pivoted head |35which engages the top of the last.

The last positioning and clamping means just described will support thelast to be reformed with its axis position similar to that of the modellast used in setting up the clamping parts, so that the toe engagingcentre |31 of the lathe may be forced against the toe block to supportthis end of the last during the turning operation under the action ofthe cutter |38. In this manner the last to be reformed may be quicklyand accurately positioned upon a lasting lathe ready for the turningoperation without providing the borings in the heel and side of the lastas contemplated by the construction `shown in Figs. 1 to 11 hereof.

Having thus fully described my invention, I claim and desire to secureby Letters Patent of the United States:

1. The method of reforming lasts which comprises xedly supporting amodel last in a determinate position and while thus supported forminglongitudinal borings in the heel and toe portions thereof which dei-lnethe axis for said last, fixing the heel portion only of each of theother lasts in the same determinate position as the heel portion of saidmodel last was fixed and forming longitudinal and transverse borings insaid heel portion which dei-lne an axis therein like the axis of saidmodel last, replacing with a fore block the fore part of each of thelasts to be reformed, supporting in a determinate axial position each ofthe lasts to be reformed by positioning elements engaging the borings inthe heel portion thereof and while thus supported forming a positioningcentre in the fore end of its fore block, setting up the model last andin turn each of the lasts to be reformed withv supporting elementsengaging certain of the borings therein whereby the lasts will bearranged preparatory to cutting in determinate axial positions, andcutting the lasts to be reformed to conform to the model last.

2. In the method of reforming lasts the steps which comprise fixing theheel portion only of each of the lasts to be reformed in the samedeterminate position as the heel portion of a modellast was fixed andforming longitudinal and transverse borings in said heel portion whichdefine an axis therein like the axis of said model last, replacing witha fore block the fore part of each of the lasts to be reformed, andsupporting in a determinate axial position each of the lasts to bereformed by positioning elements engaging the borings in the heelportion thereof and while thus supported forming a positioning centre inthe fore end of its fore block.

V3. The method of reforming hinged lasts in conformity with a modellast, which consists in supporting each last to be reformed entirelyfrom its heel part by placing the heel part of the last in a centeringdevice that has been previously adjusted to support the last on an axiscorresponding to the axis of the model last and exerting pressure on theopposite sides of the heel part to centre the last in a longitudinalplane passing vertically through the heel, While the last is thussupported forming borings longitudinally and transversely of the heelpart so that they bear a definite predetermined relation to the axisupon which the last is to be reformed, replacing with a fore block thefore part of the last, then supporting the last from said borings andWhile thus supported forming a centre bore in the toe of the last,turning the last about said centre bore and cutting the last to bereformed to conform to the model last.

4, The method of reforming lasts in conformity with a model last, whichincludes the steps of fixedly positioning the heel part only of each ofthe lasts to be reformed by placing each of these lasts in a centeringdevice that has been previously adjusted to support the heel part of thelast on an axis corresponding to the axis of the model last and exertingpressure on the opposite sides of the last to centre it in alongitudinal plane passing through its tread, While the last is thussupported forming longitudinal and transverse borings therein to bear adenite predetermined relation to the axis upon which the last is to bereformed, suporting the last from said borings and while the last isthus supported forming a centre bore in the toe thereof.

5. The method of reforming lasts in conformity with a model last, whichincludes the steps of supporting each last to be reformed by engagingthe last at each side of its rounded heel end to centre the heel end ofthe last, forcing the tread of the last against a support to positionthe last in one plane, exerting pressure upon an intermediate portion ofthe last at its opposite sides to position it in a second plane at rightangles to the first, while the last is thus supported forming boringstherein so that they occupy a predetermined relation to the axis uponwhich the last is to be reformed, supporting the last from these boringsand while the last is thus supported forming a centre bore in the toethereof.

6. The method of reforming lasts in conformity with a model last Whichincludes the steps of xedly supporting a model last in a determinateposition for defining the axis of said last, replacing with a fore blockthe fore part of each of the lasts to be reformed, xing the heel portiononly of each cf the lasts to be reformed fitted with a new fore block asaforesaid in the same determinate position as the heel portion of saidmodel last was fixed whereby it will have the same'axis as said modellast and while thus fixed forming a positioning centre in the fore endof its fore block.

'7. Mechanism for locating a turning axis in a last comprising incombination V-blocks or the like for receiving and longitudinallycentering the heel and toe of the last for defining the position thereofin a vertical plane, means for defining the position of the last in aplane at substantially right angles to the first named plane, means forxedly retaining the last in said defined positions, and means forforming borings in the heel and side of said last While fixedly retainedas aforesaid.

8. Mechanism for locating a turning axis in a last comprising incombination V-blocks or the like for receiving and longitudinallycentering the heel and toe of the last for defining the position thereofin a vertical plane and including side stops movable into a denedposition of engagement With the sides of the heel portion of the last,means for defining the position of the last in a plane at substantiallyright angles to the first named plane, means for xedly retaining thelast in said defined positions, means for making borings in the end andside of the heel portion of said last while iixedly retained asaforesaid, side stops movable into a defined position of engagement withthe sides of the heel portion of the last, and means whereby said sidestops may be simultaneously adjusted in an equal amount toward or awayfrom each other with relation to their said defined position.

9. Mechanism for locating a turning axis for a last comprising means formaking borings at the end of the heel portion of the last and in theside of said heel portion, and means for xedly securing the last toreceive said borings including a V-block for receiving andlongitudinally centering said heel portion, and side stops movable intoa defined position of engagement with the sides of said heel portionwhen said heel portion is centered by the V-block as aforesaid, andmeans whereby said stops may be simultaneously adjusted in equal amounttowards and away from each other with relation to their said definedposition.

l0. Mechanism for locating a turning. axis vfor a last comprising meansfor making borings at the end of the heel portion of the last and in theside of said heel portion, and means for fixedly securing the last toreceive said borings including a V-block for receiving andlongitudinally centering said heel portion, tread engaging means, sidestops movable into a determinate position of engagement with the side ofsaid heel portion when said heel portion is centered by said V-block asaforesaid and which side stops are simultaneously adjustable in an equalamount towards or away from their said defined position, and means forforcibly holding the last against said tread engaging means.

11. Mechanism for locating borings in each last of a series of lasts tobe reformed so that these borings Will occupy a predeterminedrrelationto the axis upon which the last is to 'be reformed, comprising incombination, a support having a seat for the tread of the heel and aV-block or the like for centering the heel end of the last, treadengaging means positioned lto co-operate With said seat to `centre thelast in one longitudinal plane, centering means adapted to co-operatewith said V-block to centre the last in a second longitudinal plane, andmeans for forming positioning borings longitudinally and transversely ofthe last While thus supported.

12. Mechanism for locating borings in each last of a series of lasts tobe reformed so that these borings will occupy a predetermined relationto the axis upon which the last is to be reformed, comprising incombination, a support having a seat for the tread of the heel and aV-block or the like for centering the heel end Vof the last, treadengaging means positioned to co-operate with said seat to centre thelast in one longitudinal plane, means for holding the last against saidtread engaging means and seat F with the tread of the last up, meansadapted to co-operate with said V-block to centre the last in a secondlongitudinal plane, and means for forming borings in the last while thussupported.

13. Mechanism for locating borings in a last so that they occupy apredetermined relation to the axis upon which the last is to bereformed, comprising in combination, a support having a seat for thetread of the heel and a V-block or the like for centering the heel endof the last, tread engaging means positioned to co-operate with saidseat to centre the last in one longitudinal plane, side stops adapted toco-operate With said V-block to centre the last in a second longitudinalplane, and means for forming positioning borings in a side and end ofthe last While thus supported.

14. Mechanism for locating borings in a last so that they occupy apredetermined relation to the axis upon which the last is to bereformed, comprising in combination, a support having a seat for thetread of the heel, tread engaging means positioned to co-operate Withsaid seat to centre the last in one longitudinal plane, side stopsadapted to engage the opposite sides of the last to centre the last in asecond longitudinal plane, a slide for supporting said stops and mountedfor lateral movement to position the stops to receive either a right ora left last, means for adjustably supporting the stops on said slide,

and means for forming positioning borings in the last while thussupported.

15. Mechanism for locating borings in a last so that they occupy apredetermined relation to the axis upon which the last is to bereformed, comprising in combination, a heel engaging V- block having aseat for the tread cf the heel of a last, tread engaging meanspositioned to cooperate with said seat to centre the last in onelongitudinal plane, side stops adapted to co-operate With said V-blockto centre the last in a second longitudinal plane, means for formingpositioning bores in the last While thus supported,

and means for supporting said V-block for adjustment lengthwise of themachine to accommodate different size lasts.

16. Mechanism for forming borings in a last so that they occupy apredetermined relation to the axis upon which the last is to bereformed, comprising in combination, av heel engaging V- block having aseat for the tread of the heel of a last, tread engaging meanspositioned to cooperate with said seat to centre the last in onelongitudinal plane, last engaging means adapted to co-operate With saidV-block to centre the last in a second longitudinal plane, means forforming positioning bores in the last While thus supported, and meansfor supporting said V-block for adjustment along an inclined path tocause its seat to recede from a horizontal plane as the V-block is movedin a direction to receive a larger last.

17. Mechanism for locating borings in a last so that they occupy apredetermined relation to the axis upon which the last is to bereformed, comprising in combination, a support having a seat for thetread of the heel, tread engaging means positioned to co-operate withsaid seat to centre the last in one longitudinal plane, side stopsadapted to engage the opposite sides of the last to centre the last in asecond longitudinal plane, a slide having said stops adjustablethereupon and mounted for lateral movement to position the stops toreceive either a right or a left last, means for forming positioningborings in the last While thus supported, and a pivoted stop movablefrom one side to the other of a fixed central support to limit themovement of the slide in one direction to an amount equal to itsmovement in the opposite direction.

JEREMIAl-I FITZPATRICK.

